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National Summit Addresses Rx Drug Abuse Crisis

National Summit Addresses Rx Drug Abuse Crisis

(HealthDay News) — The National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, held in Atlanta, reflects a turning point in the nation's efforts to fight the country's prescription drug abuse crisis, according to an American Medical Association (AMA) news release.

The summit brought together representatives of governmental and public health agencies, state legal experts, and the AMA. A wide ranging group of speakers addressed diverse efforts that would be necessary to combat the prescription drug abuse crisis in a holistic fashion.

Some of the efforts discussed included improving communications between physicians and pharmacists. The AMA's strong support for an evidence-based, public health approach to addressing the crisis was emphasized. This approach includes enhancing prevention and education as well as increasing access to treatment for substance abuse and addiction.

"The focus now has shifted from law-enforcement strategies to addressing the heart of the issue: prevention and treatment to keep people safe and healthy," AMA Board of Trustees member Patrice A. Harris, MD, said during the summit, according to the news release.